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ONS figures defy expectations of contraction as growth in clothing purchases offsets lower food sales
Northern areas among those hit hardest as analysts challenge ‘regressive’ levy amid local authority funding pressures
25% of children living in absolute poverty, sparking outcry from welfare campaigners
Almost a third of children in the country are living in relative poverty, which has increased more than any advanced economy
Ransacking of warehouses and deadly stampede at grain sale spark fears of breakdown in law and order
British Retail Consortium says consumer demand was hit by bad weather
Higher than expected figure shows persistent strength of core prices
Average annual percentage interest rate has risen to 34.7 per cent
FTSE 100 group will increase rate to at least £12 putting it above the national minimum wage
Rate eases sharply in February as input costs for energy and fertiliser fall
Upfront cost of building 90,000 new homes would be returned within 11 years, say Shelter and NHF
Typical household will pay £1,690 a year, still well above levels before energy crisis
Rebound in retail sales fails to mask broader picture of Britain’s sluggish outlook, economists say
Analysts forecast regulator will cut level by 15% to £1,635 for second quarter in boost to efforts to curb inflation
Increase in January volumes suggests economy has picked up momentum after weak end to 2023
Niesr research highlights fragile nature of economy heading into general election
Figures from British Retail Consortium point to continuing impact of cost of living crisis on households
Annual increase will come on top of the uplift set by Ofwat every five years
Data adds to signs of improved sentiments at the start of the year
Additional government funding earmarked for social care as town halls face growing threat of insolvency
Local authorities demand urgent increase to ‘housing benefit subsidy’ at emergency Westminster meeting
In this election year, living standards could slip even further for families already facing desperate choices
Rise in prices comes after insurers register surge in cost of claims
Return to more traditional ceremonies adds to pressure on mourners already affected by cost of living crisis
Move by country’s largest craft beer brewer points to broader cooling of wage pressures across economy
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